Posts for tag: restorative dentistry

Dental implants are the perfect combination of natural design and modern dental technology. While most dental restorations stop at restoring the missing tooth's crown, implants also replace the root, which can have a number of benefits for your oral and even overall health. Dr. Michael Nguyen, a dentist in Smyrna, GA, recommends implants for healthy adult patients missing anywhere from one to all of their natural teeth.

Get A New and Improved Smile with Dental Implants in Smyrna, GA

Nothing can take the place of healthy, natural teeth, but dental implants can be said to be the next best thing. Despite the fact that gum disease has become less prevalent than in earlier generations, and tooth loss is no longer necessarily a given in old age, close to half of all American adults are missing at least one tooth according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But gum disease is not the only cause of tooth loss. Severe tooth decay, accidents, a fall or sports injury can also compromise an otherwise healthy and attractive smile. Implants offer a secure and permanent replacement for missing teeth if you meet certain criteria.

How Dental Implants Work

First, the dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam to determine whether implants are the best option for you. In order to qualify, you must be in good overall health and have enough bone density to support the implant, which will be placed in the socket of the missing tooth. The implant then fuses with the surrounding bone tissue, after which the cosmetic crown is attached, completing the restoration.

Even though the root is not visible, replacing it helps to prevent bone loss and other side effects of tooth loss like shifting teeth and shrinking gums. An implant also anchors the replacement crown in place so that you don't have to worry about it - once it is in and healed, it looks and feels just like a natural tooth. With rigorous oral hygiene and regular follow up care with the dentist, implants have a very high success rate.

Find a Dentist in Smyrna, GA

For more information about dental implants and how they can help to improve your smile and oral health, contact Highland Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry by calling (678) 305-9916 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nguyen today.

Discover how dental implants could give you that full, beautiful smile again.

Losing a permanent tooth can often feel like the end of the world, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Smyrna, GA, dentist Dr. Michael Nguyen can help you if this problem happens to you. There is an incredible solution that can give you a confident, complete smile back. The solution is called dental implants, and they are as close as you’ll come to having natural teeth.

Of course, in a perfect world we would all maintain our smiles and never deal with tooth loss; however, when tooth loss does happen isn’t it nice to know that you have a way to replace one or more missing teeth with the next best thing to a real tooth? Dental implants are unique to any other tooth replacement option because they actually take the place of your missing tooth roots. Simply put, implants are metal tooth roots.

Most people don’t realize that tooth roots are actually an important part of your oral health, as tooth roots provide your jawbone with the stimulation it needs to remain healthy and strong. When a tooth falls out the tooth roots go with it and this means that jawbone doesn’t get the stimulation it needs. If tooth loss isn’t treated the jawbone will begin to deteriorate. The only way to prevent this from happening is to place a dental implant.

A dental implant is made from a tough, durable metal (often titanium) that is biocompatible, meaning that the body won’t reject it. Our Smyrna, GA, restorative dentist will surgically place the implant into a small pre-drilled hole in the jawbone where your missing tooth used to be. Once the implant is placed the gums will be stitched back up.

The healing period after placing the implants is crucial because this is where the magic begins. A phenomenon known as osseointegration occurs. This is when the bone and tissue naturally fuse together with the implant to become one. This happens over the course of a couple of months and once the implant and jawbone become one unit this means the implant could last the rest of your life.

Depending on the type of implant you receive, a structure known as an abutment may need to be placed on top of the implant. In some cases, the abutment is already part of the implant. Once the abutment has been placed a dental crown will also be custom-made to fit over your implant to complete your new restoration.

Do you have questions about getting dental implants in Smyrna, GA? Do you want to find out if you are the ideal candidate for this treatment? If so, then it’s the perfect time to schedule a consultation with Highland Dental.

As a teen, you hit your front tooth on the side of a swimming pool. Your dentist said the tooth was just fine, but now as an adult, you notice some fine cracks in the enamel. Your Smyma dentist, Dr. Michael Nguyen, may use composite resin bonding to restore, beautify and protect those hairline cracks. Many Highland Dental patients benefit from this quick, one-appointment cosmetic service.

At Highland Dental, your Smyma dentist uses direct bonding on single or multiple teeth as needed. With it, he repairs:

Small gaps

Mild overcrowding

Congenital defects (such as peg-shaped incisors)

Cracks and chips

Composite resin is the same material used in tooth-colored fillings. Hardened with a curing light, this material looks and acts like the real thing, and also, it strengthens weakened teeth.

How it's done

Unlike porcelain veneers or crowns, direct bonding needs no extensive tooth preparation. Dr. Nguyen simply buffs the surface with fine grit sandpaper and an etching chemical. Then, he applies thin layers of resin right where it's needed, and he cures each layer. Arriving at the final shape, the dentist polishes the tooth to a high sheen. The result is a repair that's incredibly natural-looking in color and form.

The total makeover

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says that composite resin is a versatile material in the hands of a skilled dentist. Rather than substantially reducing tooth structure to achieve a strong and attractive repair, composite resin preserves the enamel and adds to it. With good care, the restoration lasts for a decade or more.

Do you have questions about composite resin? Then, why not contact Highland Dental and arrange your own cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Michael Nguyen? Call his office team today at (678) 305-9916.